Labour Minister General Sirichai Distakul delivered a speech as he chaired the meeting to show intent to uphold the Good Labour Practices (GLP) in Thailand’s future of fishing and seafood processing industries. Country Director for ILO Offices in Thailand, Cambodia and Lao Mr. Mauurizio Bussi and EU Deputy Head of Delegation Mrs. Luisa Ragher also joined the show of intent at IMPACT Arena, Exhibition and Convention Center in Muang Thong Thani. The event was a good occasion for business in the fishing industry, relevant units from the government sector, workers and academics to exchange ideas, knowledge and experiences on improving the quality of life for workers and to create sustainable competitiveness in Thailand’s fishing and seafood processing industries which contribute immensely to the economy. Undeniably, work in the fishing industry was not a focal point in the past which resulted in risks of exploitation and unfair treatment. The government and Ministry of Labour have since given great importance to the Thai fishing industry and have partnered with all sectors to systematically resolve all issues from sustainability of the ocean’s resources to issues in the working process and workforce. Thailand has announced anti-human trafficking as a national agenda whereas the Ministry of Labour has missions in managing the nation’s workforce within the “Zero Tolerance” policy which aims to eliminate corruption, illegal migrant workers, exploitation and child labour. In doing so, the Good Labour Practices (GLP) will be a good tool and measure in driving the policy, creating awareness and gaining participation from all stakeholders in making the necessary changes to meet international standards.
With participation from all sectors, support from the ILO and EU under the “Ship to Shore Rights” project, GLPs have been implemented within the fishing and seafood processing industries with 88 of 150 targeted organizations already voluntarily upholding the principles. The GLPs have also been implemented in the poultry industry with 3,435 participating organizations, totaling 3,523 organizations with a total employment of over 30,000 people. The project aims to engage another 500 organizations this year. In addition to this, the Ministry of Labour has plans to extend the implementation of general GLPs to other industries such as sugarcane and apparel, to promote awareness on workers’ rights and social responsibility.
The Labour Minister has focused on direction of trade and consumer values in the 21st century saying that advantages of funding or product quality are not factors in measuring long-term business success, but rather being flexible and being responsible to the environment, workforce and society. General Sirichai further stated that he will travel to Geneva on 11 June to register for ratification of ILO 111 concerning Discrimination in Respect of Employment and Occupation, 1958. The ratification is considered another progression for the government and Ministry of Labour on efforts to eliminate human trafficking, child labour and slavery.
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Bureau of Public Relations/
